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In Latino Art Exhibition, Artists Tap Into Themes of Immigration and Identity

Posted August 23, 2010 by Isabella Chen

From sculptures that represent dual nationalities to landscape paintings addressing Latino stereotypes, “Arte Latino II Project,” an exhibition in St. James featuring 28 Latino artists from around the nation, showcases art that interweaves the themes of immigration, politics, and assimilation.

Among the artists whose work premiered at Mills Pond House Gallery on August 14 (scroll down for gallery info), two stand out from the crowd:

Joycelyn Bila

Joycelyn Bila, one of the Latina artists whose paintings will be exhibited at the gallery, works primarily as a portraiture and figure painter, using oil, acrylic, and watercolor.

The artist has a local connection, but roots from afar: She’s from Nesconset, but is also of Sicilian and Puerto Rican backgrounds. “My family, heritage and the traditions we share are a constant source of encouragement, strength, and inspiration for me,” Bila says.

Bila’s work is influenced by both Native American and Latino cultures, and she has painted subjects from each of these backgrounds.

One of Bila’s artworks that will be exhibited in the show is “Mujer Del Fuego (Fire Woman).” The painting depicts a young Latina woman with dark features and flaming red hair.

Bila writes about the painting on the gallery’s website:

“Although she has been hurt by prejudice, racism, and despair, a fire still rages in her blood. Her wistful face, with its full red lips, is the face of beauty and love. Her large, soulful eyes, the windows of her soul, show the compassion and understanding that remain. Her small cross earrings tell of her deep faith which cannot be shaken. And lastly, her flowing red hair represents the fire and passion for life that comes from deep within her spirit, the heat that flows through the blood in her veins, out into the world.”

Nora Chapa Mendoza

Nora Chapa Mendoza, who is originally from Texas, and now lives in Michigan, is well-known for painting hidden forms in her abstract works. Similarly, the themes of her artwork – poverty and poor living conditions in Latin America and among migrant workers in the US – publicize a world that, if not hidden, is often ignored.

One of Chapa Mendoza’s works that will be shown at the ongoing exhibition is “Zapatista Child,” a painting depicting the poverty faced by working children. The painting shows a poor Latina child with angel wings on her back.

Nora will also be showcasing her painting, “Los Revolusionarios,” which was inspired by the artist’s trip in 2007 to the Tres Caracoles Conference in the Zapatista Territory in Chiapas, Mexico. “I was inspired to paint ‘Los Revolusionarios’ to depict and honor the heroes struggling for human rights,” Nora writes about the painting.

So, whether you want to get a taste of Latino culture or are just a visual-arts junkie, come out to Smithtown to experience the Arte Latino II Project anytime from now until September 30. Plus, admission is free!

Mills Pond Gallery, 660 Route 25A, St. James; Operating Hours 10am-5pm Mon thru Fri, 12pm-4pm Sat & Sun, closed on holidays; 631-862-6575; http://www.stacarts.org

Here’s a list of the other artists in the exhibition:

Kelynn Zatarain Alder
Luz Janeth Arenas
Donna Cadena
Gil Corral, Pura Cruz
Claudio Fermin
Victor-Raul Garcia
Gabriel Garcia Roman
Melissa Godoy Nieto
Inez Guzman
Adrian Huaranca
Elizabeth Jimenez
Rossana Kelton
Antonia Layton
Gustavo Lucin
Fermin Mendoza
Carlos Nunez
Mara Odette
Gabriel Pacheco
Gabriela Pickett
Ramon Ramirez
Evelyn Ramos
Yolanda Rappaport
Samuel C. Reynaga
Michael John Ruggiere
Gemma Tornero